BETTER LATE THAN NEVER - NOT

READING: NUMBERS 14:39-45

Verse 40: “And they rose up early in the morning and went up to the top of the mountain, saying “Here we are, and we will go up to the place which the Lord has promised, for we have sinned’”

This passage relates how the Israelites rejected God’s plan. They sinned by refusing to cross into the Promised Land when they should have. As they realized the magnitude of their offense against the Lord, they tried to correct their sin. Belatedly, they tried to do what God had previously ordained. The problem was that it was too late, and therefore in so doing they compounded their crisis. First they had disobeyed the Lord, then they made it worse by trying to pacify Him rather than repenting. Their experience confirms the frequently used expression: “two wrongs don’t make a right”. By using their own solution instead of seeking forgiveness and further direction, they added rebellion to disobedience. We can use their experience to good advantage. When disobedience is encountered, the serious error illustrated in this passage can be avoided. Instead, use can be made of the godly alternative of turning to God. He will provide His generous gifts of forgiveness, repentance and ongoing wisdom. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. At what stage of our activities do we need to make sure to obey God?

2. If two wrongs don’t make a right, what do they produce?